Shirakawa-go, the number one place I wanted to visit in Japan and it did not disappoint, is a charming mountainous region known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer. While you could stop off on a long bus ride from Takayama to Kanazawa (and vice versa) with two hours probably being enough to explore, you can stay in the town (or very nearby as we did being a family of five) for a better experience. These unique houses are designed to withstand heavy snowfall during winter and provide a glimpse into the region's rich history. Visitors can explore the largest village, Ogimachi, or opt for a more intimate experience in the smaller villages of Gokayama, though be warned - this gets very crowded, and the only rude people we experienced on the entire trip were here! Staying overnight in one of the farmhouse minshuku (use the link I provided) offers a truly immersive experience in this UNESCO World Heritage site.